Identification and distribution of barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli and E. muricata)
Date
2009-02-26
Authors
Darbyshire, S.J.
Leeson, J.Y.
Thomas, A.G.
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Abstract
Barnyard grasses (Echinochloa spp.) have become increasingly prevalent in agricultural fields of
the Prairie Provinces during the past 30 years. The taxonomy and identification of the barnyard
grasses has been controversial and difficult. At least two annual species occur as weeds in arable
fields; the Eurasian Echinochloa crus-galli and the native E. muricata. Although they are
relatively easy to distinguish from other Canadian grass weeds by the absence of a ligule, both
exhibit considerable morphological variation and are often confused or simply reported as a
single species, E. crus-galli. The two species can be most readily distinguished using
characteristics of the mature fertile lemmas and paleas. In E. crus-galli the top of the body of the
lemma is broadly rounded with an irregular row of hairs. The short acute tip is abruptly different
in colour and texture from the body of the lemma. The top of the lemma in E. muricata
gradually and smoothly tapers into a pointed tip, without a sharp contrast in texture, colour or
pubescence. An examination of about 100 plants collected in 2006-8 and over 240 herbarium
specimens suggests that the Eurasian E. crus-galli is less common in the Prairie Provinces than
the native E. muricata. The distribution of the species was found to overlap and the two species
were occasionally found at the same site. In order to understand any ecological differences that
may be important in their effective management, it is critical to be able to recognize the
differences between the species in research and control programs. Inconsistencies in reported
behaviours and responses, within Canada and other parts of the world, may be at least in part due
to the confusion of these two species.
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Echinochloa muricata, weeds
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Soils and Crops Workshop